By Gary Lloyd
GARDENDALE — Two area football coaches at Jefferson and Shelby County High School Football Media Day on Monday complimented new Hewitt-Trussville head football coach Josh Floyd.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Jerry Hood said Floyd is a very good coach. He said, with a grin, that he knows Floyd has a “big ol’ fat wallet,” referencing the 0,000 salary Floyd will be paid this year.
Hood said Floyd has been charged with taking 100 to 200 kids — including younger players at the middle school level — and keeping them out of trouble, making sure players graduate, winning on the field and representing Trussville well in the most public way. He has to do that with a certain number of coaches and a certain number of resources, Hood said.
Is $120,000 too much?
“No, I don’t think so,” Hood said.
Hood said the excitement surrounding the Hewitt-Trussville program is at a high level.
“I think he’ll put a spark (in the community),” Hood said.
Hood said he believes teachers do get paid too little. However, the salary is what the market bears for Floyd’s talents, Hood said.
“I’m proud of him,” he said.
Briarwood Christian head coach Fred Yancey said he remembers making $6,200 in 1969 as an assistant football, basketball and track coach, as well as teaching American history.
“I felt like I was the most blessed man in America to get to do that,” said Yancey, who acknowledged that times have since changed.
Pleasant Grove head coach Jim Elgin echoed Hood, saying salaries these days are paid by what the market allows.
“Hewitt’s kind of raised the bar,” Elgin said.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.